It was rumoured the 43-year-old Spaniard would be following countryman Fernando Alonso out of Maranello, perhaps to join his friend back to McLaren.

Ferrari announced late on Friday that de la Rosa's place is being filled by Toro Rosso refugee Jean-Eric Vergne, hot on the heels of news ousted Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez has been signed as the 2015 reserve.

The Maranello team said Frenchman Vergne will "work on car development in the simulator" alongside fellow testers Marc Gene and Davide Rigon.

"On behalf of the entire team, I welcome Jean-Eric, who I'm sure will make an important contribution to our development work in the simulator," said Ferrari's new team boss Maurizio Arrivabene.

As for the departing de la Rosa, Ferrari thanked the Spaniard "for the work he has done over the past two years".